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Sheila O\u2019Brien on the shores of Lough Sheelin near Crover House.Photo: Sean McMahon<\/p>\n
Mountnugent resident to cycle from Malin Head to Mizen Head for victims of domestic violence<\/p>\n
\n Published:
\n Sun 31 May 2026, 2:00 PM\n <\/p>\n
Mountnugent resident Sheila O\u2019Brien is cycling from Malin Head to Mizen Head to raise funds for Safe Ireland.<\/p>\n
The 57-year-old mum of four and grandmother of six will do the 600km cycle at her own pace and, while she knows it will be difficult, she wants it to highlight the tough times women can go through.<\/p>\n
Sheila, who is originally from Boston, wants women experiencing domestic violence to know that there is a path out.<\/p>\n
The cycle is a \u201cbucket list\u201d activity for Sheila to raise awareness about issues around domestic violence for women who may feel \u201ctrapped\u201d and \u201chelpless\u201d.<\/p>\n
She highlights the services and supports available through Safe Ireland, including one to one counselling and courtroom support if required.<\/p>\n
Sheila feels navigating the court system is not easy for victims of domestic violence but acknowledges \u201cit seems to be turning around.\u201d<\/p>\n
Describing herself as an \u201caverage\u201d cycler, Sheila will do the cycle \u201cslowly\u201d to reflect the \u201clong time\u201d it can take survivors to reach out for help and to leave a bad situation.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t want it to be easy,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
To women going through a bad time, she advises: \u201cYou have to trust in yourself that you are more important than this.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sheila also encourages victims to \u201cfind that one good friend [to help] and make that phone call to Safe Ireland\u201d.<\/p>\n
Sheila has raised nearly \u20ac4,000 since the beginning of her campaign with many locals contributing.<\/p>\n
Carraig Garden\u2019s and Tearooms will host a fundraiser by doing three tours of the gardens, with funds going towards the cycle. Sheila was born to Irish parents however grew up in Boston and moved to Cavan in 1997.<\/p>\n
While she completes her cycle, her sister Tara who passed away over two years ago after going through motor neurone disease, will also be on her mind.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe was an amazing woman,\u201d she describes.<\/p>\n
Sheila will make several stops during her cycle, which she will begin on June 6 and complete over the course of seven days. She will make her way from Malin head to Strabane, Enniskillen, Longford, Shannonbridge, Dromineer, Kilmallock, Macroom, Bantry and finally Mizen.<\/p>\n
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